Last Updated on November 14, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Tyrell Richards is a Canadian professional football player who plays as a linebacker for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on October 7, 1998, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Richards grew up in Brampton, Ontario, before developing into a successful college and professional football player.
Richards comes from a Canadian family with connections to both English-speaking and French-speaking communities. His parents are Anik Richards and Nick Richards, and he has two sisters whose names have not been widely disclosed.
Although his parents and siblings are identified in official university records, Richards has maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships and possible children.
Tyrell Richards’ Girlfriend or Wife
Tyrell Richards has not publicly confirmed whether he currently has a girlfriend or is married.
Despite becoming a recognizable player for the Montreal Alouettes, there are no reliable public reports identifying a wife, fiancée, or romantic partner.
His interviews and official football biographies primarily discuss his athletic career, family background, childhood, and professional development.
In an October 2024 interview with The 1st Half Culture Show, Richards discussed his football journey, his father’s influence, his interest in soccer, and his experiences as a professional athlete. However, the publicly available episode description does not identify a romantic partner.
Therefore, his current relationship status remains unconfirmed, and there is insufficient evidence to identify anyone as his girlfriend or wife.
Tyrell Richards’ Children
There is no verified public information confirming whether Tyrell Richards has children.
His official Syracuse University biography, Montreal Alouettes announcements, and available media interviews do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Richards occasionally discusses family relationships and personal experiences, he has not publicly established whether he is a father.
Consequently, information about possible children, including their names and ages, remains unavailable.
Tyrell Richards’ Parents
Tyrell Richards’ Mother: Anik Richards
Tyrell Richards’ mother is Anik Richards, whose name is confirmed in his official Syracuse University football biography.
Anik is the mother of Tyrell and his two sisters.
She also has a French-speaking background, which helps explain Tyrell’s connection to Quebec and the French language.
In a June 2026 interview published by TVA Sports, Richards revealed that his mother is francophone and that his grandmother was born in Gatineau, Quebec.
These connections are particularly meaningful because Tyrell plays professional football in Montreal, where French is the predominant language.
His mother has also demonstrated her support by visiting him during his professional football career.
According to a May 24, 2022, Montreal Alouettes training camp report, Tyrell’s parents traveled to Trois-Rivières, Quebec, while he was participating in his first CFL training camp.
The team reported that Anik used the visit as an opportunity to refresh her French.
The visit occurred shortly after the Alouettes selected Richards with the first overall pick in the 2022 CFL Draft.
Although Anik’s occupation, educational background, and other personal details have not been widely documented, her appearances during significant moments in her son’s career demonstrate her involvement in his football journey.
Tyrell Richards’ Father: Nick Richards
Tyrell Richards’ father is Nick Richards, whose identity is also confirmed in Syracuse University’s official athletic records.
Nick is the father of Tyrell and his two sisters.
He has been an important influence on Tyrell’s interest in sports and his development as an athlete.
In an October 22, 2024, episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, Richards discussed his father’s influence while reflecting on his football background and passion for soccer.
The interview highlighted how sports were part of his upbringing before he became a professional CFL player.
Nick also traveled with Anik to Quebec during the Montreal Alouettes’ 2022 training camp.
The visit provided an opportunity for the family to spend time together during a major transition in Tyrell’s athletic career.
Although details about Nick’s occupation and personal background remain limited, official records establish his relationship with Tyrell, and the available interviews indicate his involvement in his son’s athletic development.
Tyrell Richards’ Siblings
Tyrell Richards has two sisters, according to his official Syracuse University football biography.
The same information appears in the university’s 2017 and 2020 football media guides.
However, the names, ages, professions, and personal backgrounds of his sisters have not been reliably established in public reporting.
Tyrell Richards’ First Sister
Tyrell Richards grew up with a sister in Brampton, Ontario, where the family spent much of his childhood.
Her existence is confirmed in official university records, although her name has not been disclosed in the available football biographies.
A November 2023 article published by Bramptonist also confirmed that Richards grew up in Brampton with his two sisters.
However, the article did not provide additional personal information about either sibling.
Tyrell Richards’ Second Sister
Tyrell Richards’ second sister is also documented in his Syracuse University biography.
Like her sister, she grew up in the family associated with Brampton, Ontario.
However, reliable public sources do not provide her name, occupation, education, or personal relationships.
Therefore, further details about her private life remain unavailable.
Does Tyrell Richards Have Brothers?
There is no verified public information identifying any biological brothers of Tyrell Richards.
His official Syracuse University biography identifies two sisters but does not mention any brothers.
However, Richards shares a particularly close friendship with fellow Montreal Alouettes linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, whom he has described as a younger brother.
Although their relationship is described as brotherly, they are not publicly identified as biological siblings.
Tyrell Richards’ Grandmother and Quebec Family Connections
Tyrell Richards has family connections to Quebec through his French-speaking mother and grandmother.
In a June 2026 feature published by TVA Sports, Richards confirmed that his grandmother was born in Gatineau, Quebec.
The report also identified his mother as francophone.
These family connections have helped Richards relate to the French-speaking environment surrounding the Montreal Alouettes.
However, his grandmother’s name, age, and personal background have not been reliably documented in the available sources.
The report did not specify whether the grandmother mentioned was from his mother’s or father’s side of the family.
Tyrell Richards and Geoffrey Cantin-Arku: A Brotherly Friendship
One of Tyrell Richards’ closest friendships in professional football is with Montreal Alouettes teammate Geoffrey Cantin-Arku.
Although the two are not biological brothers, their relationship has been described as brotherly.
According to a June 2026 TVA Sports article, Richards and Cantin-Arku first met at Syracuse University during Cantin-Arku’s recruiting visit.
Richards helped the younger player become comfortable with the university environment, particularly because Cantin-Arku initially spoke limited English.
The two subsequently played together at Syracuse before their football careers temporarily took different paths.
Cantin-Arku transferred to the University of Memphis, while Richards eventually joined the Montreal Alouettes after being selected first overall in the 2022 CFL Draft.
Their friendship continued, and they reunited as teammates in Montreal when Cantin-Arku joined the organization in 2024.
During the June 2026 interview, Cantin-Arku explained that he considers Richards a brother and treats him similarly to his two biological brothers.
He also revealed that his mother has developed a strong affection for Richards.
Richards reciprocated the sentiment by describing Cantin-Arku as his younger brother.
In fact, Richards was born only two days before Cantin-Arku, making the younger-brother description a playful reference to their ages.
The two friends have also trained together outside Canada, including during an offseason trip to Dubai.
Their friendship demonstrates the importance of personal relationships and mutual support in professional football.
Tyrell Richards’ Family Background and Early Life
Tyrell Joseph Richards was born on October 7, 1998, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
He subsequently grew up in Brampton, Ontario, alongside his parents, Anik and Nick Richards, and his two sisters.
Richards developed an interest in sports during childhood, including soccer and American football.
He attended Clarkson Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, where he became a standout high school football player.
During his senior season, he recorded 72 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two fumble returns for touchdowns.
He also served as team captain and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player.
His performances earned him recognition as one of Canada’s leading young football prospects.
Richards represented Ontario at the 2015 Football Canada Cup and was invited to participate in the 2016 International Federation of American Football Under-19 World Championship in China.
His achievements helped him earn an opportunity to attend Syracuse University in New York.
At Syracuse, Richards played for the Orange football program and contributed as both a linebacker and a special teams player.
He redshirted in 2017 before making his collegiate debut in 2018.
During the 2019 season, he received the Joe Szombathy Award as Syracuse’s most outstanding special teams player.
He also earned recognition on the Syracuse University Athletic Director’s Honor Roll while studying sociology.
After his college career, Richards returned to Canada to pursue professional football opportunities.
Tyrell Richards’ Professional Football Career
Tyrell Richards achieved a major career milestone on May 3, 2022, when the Montreal Alouettes selected him with the first overall pick in the CFL Draft.
Montreal traded up in the draft to acquire the opportunity to select him.
His selection made him one of the most highly regarded Canadian football prospects of his draft class.
Richards signed his first professional contract with the Alouettes on May 13, 2022.
During his rookie season, he appeared in seven regular-season games and recorded five defensive tackles and four special teams tackles.
In 2023, Richards helped Montreal win the 110th Grey Cup championship.
The Alouettes defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on November 19, 2023, at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.
Richards contributed on special teams, recording the game’s opening tackle.
His achievement received recognition in his hometown, with Bramptonist publishing a feature celebrating his role in Montreal’s championship victory.
After battling injuries earlier in his professional career, Richards enjoyed an outstanding 2025 season.
He led the Canadian Football League with 30 special teams tackles in 18 regular-season games.
He also recorded eight defensive tackles and one forced fumble.
His performances earned him East Division All-CFL recognition.
On December 16, 2025, the Montreal Alouettes announced that Richards had signed a contract extension for the 2026 season.
The agreement allowed him to continue representing the organization that selected him first overall in 2022.
How Tyrell Richards’ Family Influenced His Career
Tyrell Richards’ family has been part of important milestones throughout his athletic development.
His parents supported his transition from high school football in Ontario to college football in the United States.
His father influenced his interest in sports, while his mother and the family’s Quebec connections provided a personal link to the region where he eventually began his professional career.
The presence of both parents at Montreal’s 2022 training camp demonstrated their continued interest in his achievements.
Richards’ close relationship with Geoffrey Cantin-Arku also illustrates how he has developed supportive relationships beyond his immediate family.
Although he keeps many details of his personal life private, the available reporting provides insight into the importance of family and friendship during his football journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tyrell Richards’ Family
Who is Tyrell Richards’ girlfriend?
Tyrell Richards has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner.
Is Tyrell Richards married?
There is no reliable public information confirming that the Montreal Alouettes linebacker is married.
Does Tyrell Richards have children?
No verified public reports establish whether Tyrell Richards has any sons or daughters.
Who is Tyrell Richards’ mother?
His mother is Anik Richards, who has a French-speaking background and attended his first Montreal Alouettes training camp in Quebec in 2022.
Who is Tyrell Richards’ father?
His father is Nick Richards, whose identity is confirmed in Syracuse University’s official football biography.
How many siblings does Tyrell Richards have?
Tyrell Richards has two sisters, according to Syracuse University’s official athletic records.
What are the names of Tyrell Richards’ sisters?
The names of his two sisters have not been independently verified in reliable public reporting.
Does Tyrell Richards have a brother?
No biological brothers are identified in his official university biography. However, he shares a brotherly friendship with Montreal Alouettes teammate Geoffrey Cantin-Arku.
Is Tyrell Richards related to Geoffrey Cantin-Arku?
Tyrell Richards and Geoffrey Cantin-Arku are close friends and football teammates. They describe each other as brothers, but no biological family relationship has been publicly established.
Where is Tyrell Richards’ family from?
Richards was born in Ottawa and grew up in Brampton, Ontario. His family also has connections to Quebec through his francophone mother and grandmother, who was born in Gatineau.
Did Tyrell Richards’ parents attend his CFL training camp?
Yes. Both parents visited Trois-Rivières during the Montreal Alouettes’ training camp in May 2022.
Where did Tyrell Richards attend college?
He attended Syracuse University in New York, where he played college football and studied sociology.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
